The Poppy month held in memory of gallant heroes who sacrificed their lives since World War I, is to commence on the 11th of October and the national celebrations of the Poppy day will be held on the 14th of November at the Viharamaha Devi Park, Colombo. The Poppy Day is observed internationally on second Sunday of November in Commonwealth countries since 1921.

In Sri Lanka, Ex-Servicemen Association organises the sale of poppy flowers every year. The proceeds from the sales will be utilized for the benefit of the war heroes who served since the World War I who are now retired or disabled during their service. Those funds are also used to welfare of the families of war veterans.

The President of the Ex-servicemen Association Naval Captain, Patrick Jayasingha pinned the first flower on President Rajapaksa to mark the occasion.

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Secretary of the Association Brigadier K.A. Gnanaweera, Treasurer Sisira Bandara and few members of the Association were also present at the occasion.

Seen here is President Rajapaksa receiving the first poppy flower from the President of the Association at Temple Trees.

Pix by: Nalin Hewapathirana